Abstract
Plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of the biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. LDL is cleared from the circulation preferentially through the LDL receptor (LDLR) pathway. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) promotes the degradation of the LDLR. PCSK9 inhibition is attractive as a new strategy for lowering LDL-C levels, especially in combination with lipid lowering drugs such as statins. We review data from the available studies which focus on PCSK9 as a potential target in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Further studies are still necessary to investigate the potential underlying mechanisms involved.
Publication types
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
-
Review
MeSH terms
-
Animals
-
Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
-
Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
-
Cholesterol, LDL / blood
-
Humans
-
Hyperlipidemias / complications
-
Hyperlipidemias / drug therapy*
-
Hypolipidemic Agents / pharmacology
-
Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use*
-
Molecular Targeted Therapy
-
Proprotein Convertase 9
-
Proprotein Convertases / antagonists & inhibitors*
-
Proprotein Convertases / metabolism
-
Risk
-
Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism
Substances
-
Cholesterol, LDL
-
Hypolipidemic Agents
-
PCSK9 protein, human
-
Proprotein Convertase 9
-
Proprotein Convertases
-
Serine Endopeptidases